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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

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Visitor Comments: 26

YES I AGREE WITH you Rabbi Salomon Israel has every right to defend itself in any way they see fit .God will bless them that bless U & curse them that curse U. God's words not mine

(24)
eddy fishman,
May 17, 2011 12:25 AM

to hell what the rest of the world thinks of israel-wer'e here to stay!!am israel chai!

(23)
Anonymous,
May 15, 2011 10:52 PM

Israel's Concrete Measure

Is there a difference between the holocaust and the terrorist attack of the World Trade Center? Did any country interceded with Germany to kill Hitler? I think that if we read --2000 Years of Jewish History--, we would not have to go to far, to know that Israel have and must defend itself. The old double standard seems as a way to confuse Israel and redirect its focus to assimilation, and to deny the innate Jewish history and heritage that by right, Israel has ferociously defended and preserved. Just look at the Al-Aqsa Mosque that is currently sitting on the Jerusalem's Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. Look at what happened last year with the UNESCO's ridiculous and unconceivable determination to designate the Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Rachel's Tomb sites, as Moslims sites. Not to mention enemies killing loyal, responsible Israeli soldiers in a ship with knives, on the gaza strip, then claiming they were attacked by the Israelis. Obviously, there are those world Leaders and movement groups, who if given a chance, would gradually obliterate Israel from the surface of the earth. Israel and Judaism are the essence of humanity. It must continue to protect and defend its fundamental right to exist. I fully support Rabbi Yaakov's view about Israel doing, "what they have to do", to defend themselves. Thank you Rabbi Yaakov for an interesting topic.

(22)
Anonymous,
May 15, 2011 1:28 PM

I shared this on facebook. Who else did?

ShRED ON FACEBOOK. WILL YOU?

(21)
Anonymous,
May 14, 2011 7:49 PM

In the eyes of the world, Jewish blood is cheap

As far as they are concerned, we are the oppressors living in occupied territory whilst the Arabs are the victims of Israeli "aggression". When a Jew gets killed, the murder is inevitably justified through Palestinian resistance. Ever since we were victorious after the Yom Kippur war, we lost our status as being the underdog. That status has now been passed on to the Arabs who claim to have been living in Israel before we did.The world views us as sabotaging the peace effort by not recognizing a Palestinian state.They think its cruel to make Arabs go through checkpoints while Israelis can walk freely where ever they want to go.Of course there will be an outcry every time Israel retaliates in defense. Yes its double standard but the world had a track record of blatant antisemitism and things haven't changed ever since.

(20)
Beverly Kurtin,
May 13, 2011 9:45 PM

Oh, those Israelis AGAIN!

If I tried to agree more with you, Rabbi, I'd have to.., well, nothing comes to mind. I carry a group of pro-Israel articles and videos with me to shut up those who think that they are opposed to Israel, I ask them suppose Canada started lobbing rockets into the United States, how long would the United States wait to take action against Canada. Weeks? Months? Years? No, it would probably be INSTANTLY at war with Canada. How long did Israel wait? I DEMAND AN ANSWER, HOW LONG DID ISRAEL WAIT BEFORE HAVING ENOUGH FROM GAZANS? The majority of reports bemoaned the loss of "militants" who were killing Israelis. One reporter, however said: Leibovich said Israel has no desire to escalate the conflict. I asked her if there are plans for a deeper retaliation if Hamas continues the rocket fire. She responded: “Look, the IDF has one goal, to try and eliminate terrorists, to try and reduce the launchings into Israel. This is our goal. I hope that Hamas will realize the situation and also to choose not to escalate. At our end, we do not wish to escalate the situation.”
I happen to love President Obama but sadly, like his predecessors, he demands ISRAEL make peace with her neighbors. HOW? Getting back to our Canadian factor, the United States would not permit Canada to bomb them for one second, yet Israel has put up with their "neighbors" harming them year after year. Now the PA wants ALL OF JERUSALEM and make it Judenfrei, Abbas and Hamas put up barrier after barrier for peace. Can anyone imagine for an instant Israel being willing to give up our Holy City? THOSE BEDBUGS want the impossible so they can say, "We made a proposal and Israel said no, The leaders do not deserve to live any more than OBL deserved to live. The only thing keeping me sane is knowing that Hashem is watching and will wipe out those hypocrites without our having to lift a finger. Indeed, Hashem is Great! I wish all a blessed and joy filled Shabbat.

(19)
Anonymous,
May 13, 2011 8:21 PM

What a gorgeous and accurate portrayal of the present situation. Clever and intelligently stated. Kiddush Hashem and thank you!

(18)
Paul ~ Santa Rosa Ca.,
May 12, 2011 5:24 PM

I agree with the Rabbi, terrorism & spiritual tourism

Israel must be a safe place not only for Jewish people but for all the people that would like to visit and have a spiritual experience in the holy land. Terrorism should be completely eradicated from the world.

(17)
Asha,
May 12, 2011 1:52 AM

Just like what America did to eradicate Bin Ladin, Israel has every right to protect it's soverinity and its citizens. That means eradicating the persons who continuosly keep sending missiles across their borders. The West and UN should be doing every effort to support and protect Israel from these senseless actions. The West should be seen to continuosly support the soverinity and peaceful existence of the state of Israel

(16)
fortuna betech,
May 11, 2011 11:34 PM

i want to recieve more from aish

(15)
Andria,
May 10, 2011 9:21 PM

Sad but true!

The world would never put up with what they expect Israel to endure! For sure a double standard!

(14)
Rose-Marie Weissman Fickler,
May 10, 2011 6:47 PM

I totally agree with the Rabbi

It is high time that we no longer accept this double standard when it comes to how the rest of the world reacts to Israel's right to protect herself and her citizens from terrorists and bombers.
I applaud the United States for their actions in getting Bin Laden - even if it meant they had to step on the toes of Pakistan, who seems to have been aiding and abetting the refuge of this murderor all along. I likewise applaud Israel each time she deals with murderous terrorists in the same manner.
Now, we wait for the tide to turn and for the rest of the world to realize that free democratic countries have a right and a duty to protect their citizens in every way possible ... and that goes for Israel as well as for the United States.

(13)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2011 4:50 PM

Are you surprised?

In Israel the radio said the very same thing the day after the murder. Here we all agree with you.
We do need to keep in mind that only Hashem can take care of the Jewish People. This was just another sign of Am levadad Yiskon, that the Jewish People are alone, and by being so alone we will remember that the only place to put our total belief is on Hashem.

Reuven,
May 15, 2011 6:35 PM

Right on!

Couldn't have said it any better.

(12)
Jacqui Montag,
May 10, 2011 4:29 PM

Bravo!! I couldn't have said it better myself!

(11)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2011 2:52 PM

Just great!!!!!! Keep on the good work!!!! How true.

(10)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2011 2:00 PM

I agree BUT

doesn't that open the door to anarchy? Yes, when intelligent, moral use of any form of military action is taken then of course there's no argument. It's just that other than Hashem, who's to say I have the moral right but you don't. I agree with you Rabbi. It's just that the world with people like the Iranian Leader's ego thinking that they too are RIGHT then where does it stop? Hashem we need you so badly. Please Rabbi. Your prayers are so much more effective than mine. Please ask Hashem for help for all the good people on his planet.

(9)
sandy alexander,
May 10, 2011 1:47 PM

I agree. amen

Israel has and should defend its people. God Bless Israel

(8)
Rosen,
May 9, 2011 8:35 PM

Israel's protocol

If the US were to follow Israel's protocol in tracking down the perpetrator of a horrific event, I think OBL would've been caught much, much sooner and would have saved thousands/millions of lives, money, time, and resources instead of relying on hubris and keeping such wars from going on for profit at the expense of others either financially or livelihood.

(7)
Sholom,
May 9, 2011 3:47 PM

Double standard? Of course!

The fundamental difference is that the 'world' accepts the US's existence, but not Israel's. It's that simple.
(See Helen Thomas who made her case so eloquently....the Jews should get the H--- out of Palestine....)
Therefore, it doesn't matter what Israel does. They are an occupier of Arab land and need to go away.
That's 'world' opinion.
And if you're religious, this is G-d's way of disallowing the Jews equality among the nations so that we never blend in.
They hate us, with or without an Israel.

(6)
lisa,
May 9, 2011 7:27 AM

We will never get the worlds permission.....

There is no such thing as "once & for all".....Esav soneh et Yaakov".....we will never be applauded for what we do.....never. But we do it anyway...like you said to protect our people.

(5)
travis scott perkins,
May 9, 2011 5:39 AM

i agree!!! i love your weekly topics rabbi!

(4)
CHRISTINE MASSEY,
May 9, 2011 2:50 AM

AGREED

I COULD NOT HAVE STATED THAT ANY BETTER.I AM AN AMERICAN WHO HAS BECOME EMBARRASSED FOR BEING ONE.I JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR ACTIONS.WE DO NOT HAVE PEOPLE ACTIVELY TRYING TO MURDER US EVERY DAY.I CAN EMPATHIZE WITH THE STRUGGLES YOUR COUNTRY GOES THROUGH.

(3)
Anonymous,
May 8, 2011 9:20 PM

Hmmm

I usually agree with a lot of what you have to say, and I don't disagree with Israel defending itself. However, looking at it from a "macro" perspective. America hardly ever does something like this, whereas, Israel would be doing it everyday. Also, if it were to become a regular thing for Israel, it's much harder to regulate and make sure that each and every act is justified, etc. Also, it becomes a slippery slope argument for any invasion into other lands to kill a terrorist. I'm glad the Americans were able to get justice, but even if Americans were doing this all the time as Israel would want to, I'd question it slipping into "anything goes" territory.

(2)
Iris,
May 8, 2011 1:30 PM

Very thought provoking,indeed.

I totally agree with you, Rabbi. I couldn't have said it better. I look forward to your thought provoking topics weekly.